I have deliberated too long on whether to sell GB 42 or take it with me to New Zealand. So as time is running short and there is the paper work needing to be started, I have decided to put it on the market for two weeks beginning the 25th August. If a buyer is around fine – if not, it goes on the boat.

I bought the car as a daily user, for its functionality and the joy of driving a piece of Land Rover history.

Practicality is important to me and as in general I veer towards safety, Xeon headlights haven been fitted and a heated windscreen introduced along with wide angle wing mirrors for reducing blind spot. Living down a winding half mile shared single track drive, where occasionally night time reversing is necessary, I had back spots fitted along with a reversing camera.

I enjoy my music so have upgraded the head set to a pioneer reference unit along with supporting discreet amplifiers and speakers. Complimenting that lot is soundproofing. (Defender original radio goes with the sale)

As a simply wanted to use the back for carrying my stuff around and not extra passengers so the back seats were taken out and rubber checker plate has been fitted.

I have replaced some of the black plastic with shiny stuff in the front and when I bought it the steering wheel was my preferred size but had a fake leather rim. That has been replaced with a same size Moto with leather.

In football jargon, GB 42 is certainly in the premier division – I suggest not in contention for the European Cup places. However the the hard work has been done so sitting very comfortable with others in mid table.

Just for your reference an ex Japanese market 50th sold very recently in NZ for approx NZD34000, I believe there are a few $$ to be spent to bring it back to good average condition. I know this as an acquaintance looked seriously about purchasing this vehicle and had an AA inspection & report carried out on his behalf. Not sure how many 50ths in NZ but suspect not many but available parts easy to obtain and plenty of Land Rover knowledge here.

Yes you are right. The Defender support Is strong in NZ and I have been told there are some 50th there although I am not certain if any are GB.

I have enjoyed owning some great cars in my time however this 50th is my all time favourite. Not because it's perfect because it isn't. It simply fits into my lifestyle of what I need a car to do on a daily basis and it does that and more with character.

We are going in on resident visas and plan to clock up the miles for a year or so deciding where to live. This is not the best car to do that in for the two of us so the plan would be to store it for that time at one of the Defender specialists which isn't my ideal. There are very strict rules on car importation and compliance on crash and emissions and there are stories of cars being held up for years. I am not expecting that on the 50th however in all there are enough question marks to raise the should I sell it flag.

The heart says take it my wife says take it yet there are good reasons why not. I am wimping out on the decision, I am tossing the coin - heads it goes tails it doesn't.

Please excuse me if I am "teaching my Granny to suck eggs".
Rumour has it there is a GB 50th in NZ but cannot confirm that in all honesty, there are a few Japanese market 50ths but they are not a common vehicle for obvious reasons. The vehicle I own was brought in by Morris Turner at Stag 4X4 in Auckland, I am sure if you were seriously considering importing it he would offer guidance. The Government department has a website - www.nzta.govt.nz which has a section specifically on importing vehicles into NZ.
Auckland has a very active Land- Rover Owners Club - www.lroca.org.nz they have information on importing. Storage would not be a problem once in NZ as there are plenty of sealed and policed storage facilities all over the country, as yet we do not have the issue with Land Rovers being high on the list of vehicles being stolen.
Locally a 110 has recently arrived ex UK from Simmonites in Yorkshire, so I don`t see an issue with a 50th.

I really appreciate having the Morris Turner contact. That is very useful.

I have all the stuff from the government site and qualify to import but have very little info on the specifics of what the compliance testing process entails and how the 2006 rules on frontal test requirements apply to a 1998 50th.

Our daughter is on a 3 year work visa in Auckland and that is where I was planning to keep the car and have it maintained so would be looking for recommendations in that area

At the moment we are planning to move towards the end of September and have allowed for the space on the container.

Morris Turner's business is all about Land Rovers www.stag4x4.co.nz is the we b site, there are a few independent Land Rover specialists in Auckland but even though I live in a different town would suggest Morris as someone to talk with. Might pay to go via emails for any more communications as it could be construed as being off topic. I am more than happy to help if I can.